Toiler of the Sea signed and dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, published by The Golden Quill Press, Publishers, Francestown, New Hampshire in 1965

From the library of J.R.R. Tolkien, poetry book Toiler of the Sea by Magner, James Edmund Jr. Published by The Golden Quill Press, Publishers, Francestown, New Hampshire.
Inscribed and signed by James Edmund Magner, Jr., 1965

5 1/2 inches x 8 in., 92 pp. Contains 64 poems.

Blue cloth spine and sides, with gilt titling, gray-green cloth over boards with gilt device; unclipped, color-printed dustjacket with design by Jeanne Caskie.

The photographs show light marks and handling wear to the cloth, age-toning to the paper and some marks at the endpapers and gutters. The jacket has a tanned spine, edge wear and small tears, with marks and browning visible on its reverse.

Inscribed and signed on the Dedication page: July 18, 1965 John Carroll University (To) Professor Tolkein with my respect, warm regards and my wish for your personal fulfillment. [signed]: James Edmund Magner Jr. The signature is Magner's, not Tolkien's.

Titles include: The Dixie Trumpeter; The Union; Elegy for the Valiant Dead; Plato's Father; Christ of Battle; To My Master and Father, Saint Thomas Aquinas; Blake's Dream; The Bridge of Blessed Danger.

Inside sit two papers, one on the page where the poem Elegy for the Valiant Dead is published, that states to be Dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien. The other sits on the page with the poem To my son unborn.

The visible wear qualifies the original catalogue's Fine condition description. The placement of the two loose pieces of paper is not attributed to Tolkien.


An author-inscribed association copy linking Magner's poetry directly with its dedicatee, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Digital photographs available; enquire if interested.

Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping.  Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.